Military Life News

Military Life News, Commissary Rewards and Military Discounts

15 Military Discounts for Music Lovers

By

Music lovers rejoice; military discounts are available for items ranging from concert tickets and radio subscriptions to instruments and gear.

15 Military Discounts for Music Lovers

Who needs a military discount when you can get a concert ticket for free?

We’ve gathered 15 musical military discounts for you to explore. Try some of these today and let us know what your favorites are.

15 Military Discounts for Music Lovers

Music & Arts started in Bethesda, Md., as a small music store. Today it is a national music store chain. If you are in the market for music gear, Music & Arts is a wonderful place to look. They have more than 140 stores as well as over 50,000 products on MusicArts.com. They offer a 10% military discount for online purchases.

GovX has exclusive discounted tickets for veterans and their families. You can get great deals on concert tickets with GovX.

SiriusXM lets you take great music anywhere you go. Why settle for what’s on the radio, when SiriusXM offers a 25% military discount for the life of any subscription.

The Exchange has an exceptional selection of music. Don’t forget that you can shop in store or online. Online shopping will be open to all veterans starting Veterans Day 2017.

The exchange price matches, so if you find a better price out in town bring the ad in to the exchange and show them. They will match that price and you will save on sales tax since the exchange is tax free.

Overstock.com has a program just for military families called Club O Military and it is free to join. Military families get free shipping, earn 5% rewards dollars, and receive exclusive emails and early access to sales.

You can stock up on all your favorite music in different formats with Overstock.com.

Learning a new instrument? You’ll find everything from a ukulele to drums available for sale as well.

Veterans Advantage offers a military discount on many things including concert tickets. Simply register to get access to the great deals.

At Ticket Club, military members can sign up for free membership, which will save you $50. Ticket Club has fabulous rates for concert tickets.

Vet Tix is an easy way to find tickets to events. The Armed Services YMCA has partnered with Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix), which is a national nonprofit organization that gives free event tickets to service members and veterans.

Who needs a military discount when you can get a concert ticket for free?

Next time there’s a concert coming to town, check with Vet Tix.

Tidal offers a 40% off military discount for either of its programs that provide access to your favorite music. With Tidal, you can listen to music anywhere with great quality.

Carnegie Hall is a famous place to take the family. All service members can enjoy a military discount of 30% off ticket prices. Tickets must be purchased in person at the box office and there is a limit of 2 tickets per person.

Music for All is a national music education organization that provides educational experiences through performance events. You can share your love of music with the family at the Bands of America Championship. Music for All has a military discount of $5 off any type of ticket.

San Diego Symphony offers a military discount of $3 off tickets. If you don’t live near San Diego, check with your local symphony. Many offer military discounts.

Country Music Hall of Fame welcomes military families with a military discount on admission. Bring your family to this Nashville museum to learn more about country music’s history.

Tampa’s Straz Center is the largest performing arts center in the southeast. You’ll enjoy fantastic musical performances as well as a nice military discount.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, offers a military discount. Tickets must be purchased in person and a photo ID is required.

These are just a few great music military discounts. There are many more to be found if you take the time to look.

Are you a music lover who also loves a military discount? Tell us about your favorite military discount in the comments section.

8 Cruise Lines that Offer Military Discounts

By

Take a breath and close your eyes. Imagine warm Caribbean waters, the soft, rhythmic ping of steel drums, and warm sand between your toes.

No, don’t open your eyes…don’t do it.

No, no, you’re right. It’s winter and we’ve got work to do. But at some point we need a break, a chance to get away, right? And there is no better way to say goodbye to the winter work day doldrums than planning a warm, tropical getaway. Or maybe sightseeing across Europe is more your thing.

Either way, there is no better way to step away from the strain and drain of our everyday lives than on the gleaming white decks of a cruise ship. Better still, is planning that trip knowing a military discount is going to stretch your vacation dollars even further.

Wondering which cruise lines offer the best military discounts? Here are 8 cruise lines to check out.

Carnival

Military travelers on Carnival can snag a discount of $25 to $250 (up to 20% off) per person over regular rates.

However, not all discounts are available all the time on all cruises.

Peak season and holidays might make it difficult to land a discount, so if you can, try booking during off-season for additional savings. Carnival often offers even better discounts for Memorial Day and Veterans Day, so if you can, plan ahead for those dates.

Discounts are available to active duty, Reserve, and National Guard personnel along with retirees, cadets, honorably discharged veterans, and surviving spouses of eligible service members. Discounts are given on rooms in which the eligible service member will occupy. However, Carnival will offer periodic discounts that allow for additional cabins to be booked at the discounted rate.

To get the military discount, eligibility must be met by providing a copy of enlistment papers, military ID or current LES, DD-214.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean offers various discounts throughout the year, but not all discounts are available on all bookings. Typically military discounts are given off specific cabin types and specials such as onboard credit during special military affiliated holidays and Military Appreciation Month.

Discounts are offered to active duty personnel, members of the National Guard or Reserves, honorably discharged veterans, retirees, medically retired service members, and surviving spouses of eligible service members. Any discounted rate will be given to all travelers occupying the same cabin as the eligible service member, but the discount may not be extended to other rooms.

A valid military ID will be required to prove eligibility for the discount.

MSC

MSC offers one of the most consistent discounts, with military discounts available on almost all bookings. Discounts include: 10% off balcony, suite, and MSC Yacht Club staterooms and a 5% discount on interior and ocean view rooms. MSC also offers the ability to book multiple rooms so you can enjoy your trip with extended family and friends, all at the discounted rate. Plus, kids who are ages 11 and under cruise for free!

MSC offers their military discounts to active and retired service members, plus members of the National Guard and Reserves. A valid military ID must be presented to demonstrate eligibility.

Disney

A long-time friend to military travelers, Disney Cruise Lines offers military discounts on select bookings. Special military rates are available to all retired and active personnel, and members of the National Guard and Reserves (with some restrictions).

The discount is limited to one stateroom per military member per sailing. Active duty and retirees must provide valid military ID to qualify. Members of the National Guard and Reserves must provide copy of orders of activation dated no later than January 1 of the previous year to qualify for the discount.

Norwegian & Holland America

On occasion, Norwegian and Holland America will extend a military discount. So if they offer the trip you’ve been dreaming of, check with your travel agent or the cruise line directly for any available military discounts.

Princess

As their way of saying thank you to those who serve, Princess offers up to $250 in on-board spending. The military reward offered depends on the length of the cruise booked. Sailings of 6 days or less earn $50, 7 to 13 days earn $100 and if you are lucky enough to book a 2-week trip or long, you’ll receive $250 to spend on board.

Active duty service members, along with honorably discharged veterans and retirees are eligible to receive the spending cash and this reward may be claimed twice per calendar year and combined.

A valid military ID or other proof of service documentation, such as a DD-214, is required and travelers will need to apply for eligibility no less than 2 weeks prior to departure date.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity offers select rates throughout the year for active duty, National Guard, Reserves, honorably discharged veterans and retirees. Military ID or other proof of service is required during departure check-in.

Looking for more military discounts? Check out the MilitaryShoppers’ military discounts page.

16 Military Discounts for Fitness Enthusiasts

By

Military discounts are abundant at restaurants and retail stores, but when it comes to fitness products and gyms, they are scarce.

Service members and their families are some of the most active individuals and make up a huge shopping network, yet the discounts aren’t there. We’ve done the research and put together this list to help you find gyms and fitness products that offer a military discount.

16 Military Discounts for Fitness Enthusiasts

Rogue Fitness: Rogue Fitness is a popular site to purchase fitness equipment. They have everything from CrossFit gear to dumb bells to apparel. Their staff includes many current and former service members and their spouses. They ship to APO/FPO addresses.

The Exchange: You don’t need to search for a military discount, just shop at your local Exchange for great savings. Remember that they price match so visit customer service if you find a better deal on the same product they sell.

Gold’s Gym: Gold’s Gym offers a great military discount on enrollment plus 20% off dues.

YMCA: The Y has a program where some locations provide free membership for military spouses while their service member is deployed. Some of those locations also offer respite care.

24 Hour Fitness: G.I. Jobs magazine ranked 24 Hour Fitness as a top military friendly employer. They employ many military spouses as well. They offer a military discount on membership and will freeze your account for you if you receive orders that would place you more than 25 miles away from one of their fitness centers.

ACE: Ready to take your fitness to the next level? ACE offers personal trainer and group fitness instructor certifications.

IHRSA: IHRSA created the Joining Forces Network. This brings gyms across America together to provide free memberships to families of deployed Reservists and National Guard members.

Christian Fitness Factory: A 10% military discount is always available to active and retired military on fitness equipment.

Go Ruck: Founded by former Special Ops soldiers, this company creates and sells tactical fitness gear. They offer a 25% military discount.

Foot Locker: Foot Locker offers a 20% military discount with military ID.

Champs Sports: Champs gives military members a 20% military discount with a military ID.

Nike: Nike offers a 10% military discount on Nike.com as well as at Nike, Converse and Hurley stores.

Finish Line: Finish Line has a 20% military discount.

Again Faster Equipment: They have a 7% military discount on fitness equipment.

Under Armour: Under Armour offers a 10% discount to active duty and veterans on their website and in all Under Armour stores. Online purchases are verified through  ID.ME.

Military Cyclist: Military Cyclist offers special pricing for military families. Why look for a new bike shop every time you PCS, when you can get a military discount online? Military Cyclist is owned by a military family and was designed specifically for service members and their families.

These are a few great military discounts available on fitness equipment, gear and gym memberships. Don’t forget about the fitness center at your military installation while searching for the right gym. Most bases have a gym where family members can work out for free. Sign up for a class and give it a try before paying for a gym membership.

Have you ever thought about making a career out of your love for fitness? Having a portable career as a military spouse is important. Many spouses earn fitness certifications and personal trainer certifications that allow them to find jobs anywhere a PCS move might take them. There are programs to earn these certifications where the cost is covered by MYCAA for spouses. If you are interested in taking your fitness enthusiasm to the next level, visit the gym at your local base. Many staff members are military spouses. You can talk to them about certification and job potential.

Are you a fitness enthusiast? Which of these military discounts have you used in the past? Which ones surprised you?

65 Clothing and Apparel Stores that Offer Military Discounts

By

Military orders send us across the country and around the world, but that’s no excuse for not looking our best.

Military exchanges offer great deals on name-brand clothing and apparel, but many clothing retailers are happy to offer military discounts to service members, veterans and their families. It never hurts to ask for a military discount, so don’t be shy, just be prepared to flash your valid military ID.

If you’re looking for a solid, no-fuss military discount, shop at these great retailers. Who knows, a fabulous pair of boots or your new favorite pair of jeans might be in your future.

In-Store Military Discount

Some in-store discounts may vary by location and you will be asked to present a valid military ID. When in doubt, just ask! Also, keep in mind that many chain stores are independently owned and discount amounts and dates may vary by location.

  • Abercrombie & Fitch: 10-15%, at manager’s discretion
  • Adidas Shoes: 10%
  • Aeropostale: 10-20%
  • Alfred Angelo: 30% off bridal gowns
  • American Eagle Outfitters: 10-15% off, at manager’s discretion
  • Anchor Blue: 10%
  • Ashley Stewart: 10%
  • Banana Republic: 15% off on full price items
  • Bass Pro Shops: 10% off from the 15th to 22nd of each month
  • Boscov’s: 15%
  • Cabela’s: 5%
  • Christopher & Banks: 10%
  • Claire’s: 20%
  • Dress Barn: Discount and participation varies by location
  • Eddie Bauer: 15% discount (some promotions excluded)
  • Express Clothing Store: 10% discount, can be combined with other coupons
  • Extreme Outfitters: Up to 20% off military gear
  • Forever 21: 10%
  • Gander Mountain: 5%
  • Gap: 10% discount on the first of every month (may vary by location; in-store only).
  • Hanes Outlet Store: 10%
  • Hot Topic: 10-20%
  • Jockey: 10%
  • Jones New York Outlet Store: 10%
  • Kohl’s: 15% military discount at select stores nationwide
  • L.L.Bean: 10% discount at select stores nationwide
  • Loehmann’s: 10%
  • Maurices: 10%
  • New York & Company: 15%
  • Old Navy: 10% military discount (may vary by location; in-store only)
  • Pac Sun: Discount varies by location
  • Payless: 10%
  • Rackroom Shoes: 10% (varies by location)
  • Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Stores: 15%
  • Rockport: 15%
  • Steve Madden: 10%
  • Stride Rite: 10%
  • Timberland: 20%
  • Tommy Hilfiger: 10%
  • Under Armour Outlet Store: 10%
  • Wet Seal: 10%

Clothing Stores that Offer Military Discounts Online

Some retailers offer the best of both worlds – in-store and online discounts! When shopping online, you will need to verify your military affiliation through ID.me or Troop ID. It only takes a few minutes and the discount is well worth the effort.

  • Allen Edmonds: 25%
  • Bonobos: 15% discount for up to 5 orders per year
  • Converse: 10%
  • Alter’d State: 15% discount on regularly priced merchandise
  • Carhartt: 10%
  • Frank & Oak: 20%
  • Lady Foot Locker: 20% discount with Veterans Advantage card
  • Nike: 10%
  • Orvis: 10% discount with the Veterans Advantage Card
  • Overstock: Free Club O membership for military personnel
  • Pirate’s Yacht Club: 15% off using code Military15
  • The Limited: 10%
  • Torrid: 10% discount in Torrid stores or by calling to place an order with a Torrid Personal Shopper
  • Wilson’s Leather: 10% off in-store with military ID or call 1-866-305-4704
  • CafePress MILPRIDE20* Save 20% off orders from CafePress.com; MILPRIDE25* Save 25% off orders from CafePress.com (September 1, 2017 to September 30, 2017)

Military Discount Available When Shopping Online Only

Forget the hassle of hunting for parking and dealing with the crowds. Put your feet up and let your fingers do the shopping with these online-only discounts.  Just make sure you take the time to verify your military affiliation before checkout. A few clicks and you’re done. The hardest part is waiting for the delivery guy.

Which of your favorite clothing stores offer military discounts? Tell us in the comments section.

How to Score a Military Discount on Your Hotel Room

By

Military discounts are wonderful when traveling during the holiday season. Whether you’re taking a road trip with friends, flying in to see family or heading to a resort for a weekend getaway, don’t forget to ask for a military discount when booking your hotel room.

Here are 10 hotels and resorts that offer military discounts.

Best Western offers 10% off their best price for active and retired military and their families. You can book your hotel over the phone, through their website or in person. You need to show your military ID at check-in.

Choice Hotels guarantees discounts on both one- and two-person rates at more than 2,700 of their hotels. Active duty and retired military personnel can use the discount as well as their dependents.

Hilton Hotels and Resorts offers a military discount at more than 540 hotels and resorts in 78 countries. These are available to active duty service members as well as retirees and their families. You can access military rates here.

Hampton by Hilton offers a military discount to active duty, reserve, retirees and family members. You can find a participating hotel here. You will need your military ID at check-in.

La Quinta gives 12% off to military families and also offers a free hot breakfast. Dogs stay for free as well.  La Quinta has a special military program called La Quinta Returns Military Rewards™  that give military families extra benefits including 2 free nights a year.

La Quinta is also part of Hotels for Heroes, where individuals can donate their rewards points and the company will match it. These points are given to Fisher House Foundation which in turn is able to provide free accommodations for families of injured service members who are receiving treatment at medical centers where there isn’t a Fisher House nearby.

Hotels for Heroes also partners with these hotels: AmericInn, Best Western, Choice Hotels, Hilton, Marriott and Wyndham.

InterContinental Hotels Group includes InterContinental Hotels and Resorts as well as Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza and Candlewood Suites to name a few.

There are 39 IHG Army Hotels on Army posts across America as well. They all offer military discounts to active and retired military as well as family members. You simply need to show your ID at check in.

Marriott has more than 4,000 locations around the world. Military families are eligible for a special discount; all you have to do is show your ID when you check in.

Wyndham offers up to 20% off the best available rate to all service members, veterans and their families. If making a reservation online, you need to click the verify with troop ID button to confirm that you are affiliated with the military. Then you will be redirected to the Wyndham site that has the military discount code. From there you can make your reservations.

Starwood Hotels offers a military discount to anyone with a valid military ID. You can make reservations over the phone or online.

Receiving a military discount on your hotel room may be as simple as asking for one. By choosing one of the hotels noted above, you know you are going to get a good military discount.

If you find a different hotel that doesn’t specifically list a military discount, call the hotel and ask for a military discount. They might not offer one, but it doesn’t hurt to ask and asking might just save you a few dollars.

Did we miss any hotels that offer a military discount? Please let us know about their discount and who can use it in the comments section.

Military Discounts for When Your Service Member Is Deployed

By

Have you looked into military discounts and freebies for deployment items? I love free and discounted things. As yet another deployment looms shortly ahead for my service member, I, at least, have some of these military discounts to look forward to.

Here is a list of 11 military discounts and freebies you should consider while your spouse is deployed.

Create a Free Welcome Home Sign with Build a Sign

Build a Sign offers the option of 1 free welcome home vinyl banner, jumbo card or yard sign to present to your loved one at the end of their deployment. You only have to pay for shipping.

They suggest ordering 8 weeks before you need it, but you can choose a quicker shipping option. Expedited shipping costs more.

Free Lawn Care and Snow Removal for Military Spouses

Project EverGreen offers free lawn and landscape services and snow and ice removal for military spouses while their service member is on deployment.

I signed up for this service when my husband deployed after moving to an area where it snows. Being from the South, I’ve never shoveled snow. I was relieved to find local people and lawn care companies registered with the EverGreen Project to help me while my service member was on deployment.

Smile for a Free Family Portrait with HeartsApart

HeartsApart.org brings photographers from around the country together to provide service members with photography sessions, free of charge, with their families prior to deployment. The service member receives a portrait that is printed on a waterproof bi-folded card that can fit in his or her uniform pocket. Their family receives a DVD with the photos from the entire session with reproduction rights.

The program has recently increased to provide photos of newborn babies that are born when their father is on deployment.

Operation Love Reunited Captures Your Homecoming Kiss

Operation Love Reunited offers free photo sessions for military families worldwide when the service member will be on deployment for 4 months or more. Options include pre-deployment and mid-deployment sessions, homecoming photos and fallen loved ones sessions.

Two photo sessions are allowed per deployment. Pre-deployment photo sessions require the service member to be photographed in uniform. Fifteen prints will be shipped directly overseas.

Homecoming photos are taken at the time the military spouse and service member are reunited to capture the raw emotion of being reunited. Fifteen photos will be provided digitally.

Daddy Dolls Offers Comfort to Military Children During Deployments

Daddy Dolls started as comfort pillows for children with fathers on deployment. The front of the pillow is a picture of the service member. What makes Daddy Dolls unique is that the pillow is shaped like a person and the photo is full size to the pillow.

Many of my friends had them for their children and recommended Daddy Dolls to me. I bought one for our son during the last deployment and he has carried it all over town with him.

While there isn’t a specific military discount for these now, you can find discount codes online. They have also expanded their product selection and now offer items with similar sentiment.

Record a Bedtime Story with A Story Before Bed

A Story Before Bed is a wonderful website that allows deployed, or soon to be deployed, service members record a children’s book online with audio and video for free. A wonderful element to this is children can listen to the recording repeatedly on iPad, iPhone, Mac or PC.

Our Military Kids Pays Activity Costs for National Guard Children

This is a nonprofit organization that helps children between kindergarten and 12th grade that have at least one parent in the National Guard and Reserves on deployment. They offer grants to cover the cost of activities that could help children facing stress while their parent is away. The grants cover the cost of athletic fees, fine arts and tutoring programs. It is not available to children of active-duty parents.

Ask for a Military Discount on Your Auto Insurance

Active-duty service members can receive military discounts on auto insurance during deployment. USAA offers up to 60 percent off auto insurance if you choose to store your vehicle during deployment.

GEICO offers up to 15 percent military discount. Check with your insurance carrier to see if it offers a military discount during your service member’s deployment.

Interest Rates May Be Lowered to 6 Percent

Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, you can request all interest rates and fees that you have paid on credit cards, mortgages, student loans and other loans be lowered to 6 percent per year.

Freeze Your Service Member’s Cell Phone Account

Many cell phone companies will lover your bill or even freeze your account for the period that a service member is deployed and not using the phone. Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, those with at least 90-day orders to an area that does not have cell phone service can cancel their contract without penalty.

Ask Your Bank to Waive Fees

Many banks will lower or even completely waive fees while on deployment. USAA does not charge fees on credit card balance transfers or on convenience checks. Check with your bank to see if they will lower the APR on transactions.

Did we miss any military discounts on deployment items? Please tell us in the comments section.

8 Apps for Military Coupons

By

Military coupons are in abundance if you know where to look. There are amazing apps for your phone full of military coupons and best of all, they’re free.

Here is a list of our favorite military coupon apps.

SCOUT Military Discounts

Looking for a large amount of military coupons in one place? Then SCOUT Military Discounts is the app you want. It has thousands of military coupons and discounts.

Not only does it have great military coupons, but it also has unique features that set it apart from other apps. These include USO locations, military-friendly charities and lists of freebies on Veterans Day.

Commissary Rewards App

Have you signed up for the Commissary Rewards Card?

Once you have, download the Commissary Rewards App and log in. With the Commissary Rewards App, you can clip military coupons on the go with just the tap of your finger.

There is a huge selection of military coupons in the app. When you check out, just scan your Commissary Rewards Card.

Military Cost Cutters

Military Cost Cutters brings together military-friendly businesses and veterans. The app was created by veterans for the military community. Through this app, you can search for military-friendly businesses and find military coupons and discounts.

Some of the perks of this app include: having a QR code scanning function, being able to search any location for specials, upload any military coupons or discounts you find and rate businesses.

They also have a rewards program where you can receive deals from businesses that you have shopped with.

Shop Savvy

The Shop Savvy app is the ultimate shopping partner. Not only does it have great military coupons, deals and specials, but you can also get cash back after shopping.

A great feature is the option to scan barcodes to compare prices from one store to another. If you’re a frugal shopper, you can set price drop alerts for a particular item so you’ll know when the best deal is available.

You can make your shopping list and do all of your shopping right in the app.

Discount Soldier

Discount Soldier is another great app for military coupons and discounts. It is a community where military families share military coupons and discounts they find.

Members of Discount Soldier can add discounts they find right to the app. This app has no in-app purchases to slow you down. They have a great website as well.

Ibotta: Cash Back App

Ibotta is an extremely popular cash back app. They have great deals ranging from clothing stores and craft stores to grocery stores, and don’t forget about military coupons.

The key feature of Ibotta is rebates. All you have to do is scan your receipts with your camera phone and when you’re ready to collect the rebates, they will pay you through PayPal or through a gift card.

To potentially earn more, you can shop with friends to unlock group discounts.

Pro-tip: Ibotta works with commissary receipts.

Checkout 51

If you can’t find a military coupon for something you’ve had your eye on, perhaps you can get cash back with Checkout 51. They give cash back from brand names. Every Thursday new offers are added to the list. You can purchase these products anywhere and then take a picture of your receipt to get cash back.

They will mail you a check when your rebate totals $20.  This app is also available in Spanish.

RetailMeNot

RetailMeNot is an award-winning app and one of our favorites.

If there is a promo code, military coupon or discount available, RetailMeNot will have it.

With this one app you won’t have to search for a promotion code when purchasing products online or cut coupons at home. Simply type in the name of the business you are shopping at and it will show you the coupons available for it, both in store and online.

There are more than 50,000 retailers and thousands of restaurants with discounts and offers in RetailMeNot. Use the map that shows specials near you or set alerts for your favorite shops to see more deals.

These are our favorite apps for military coupons and discounts.

What apps do you use for military coupons?

Military Savings at the Movies

By

Between tickets, drinks and snacks, a night at the movies can really add up!

In some locations, tickets to first-run or special movies, like 3D or IMAX, can be upwards of $15 per person. A small popcorn is usually closer to $10 than to $5 and drinks are both giant in size and cost.

Military Savings at the Movies

What are your tips for military savings at the movies?

Luckily there are military savings to help you cut costs and still enjoy a fun day at the movie theater with your family.

Military Savings on Movie Tickets

The 4 major cinemas all offer military discounts. Don’t forget to show your military ID card when asking for a military discount.

  • Cinemark offers military discounts at several theaters. For specifics on discount times and amounts, contact the cinema closest to you.
  • Regal also offers a military discount. The discount amount and times that the discount is offered vary by location. It is recommended that you contact your local theater.
  • There is also a military discount at AMC theaters. The discount varies based on location and is only available after 4 p.m.
  • Showcase Cinemas has military tickets available at many locations starting at $7.50 for general admission and $5.50 for matinee and children’s tickets.

Military Savings on Movie Tickets Purchased at ITT

Beyond amazing trip packages and tickets to the big game, your on-base ITT (Information, Tickets and Travel) office also stocks discounted movie tickets. Like the cinema-run discounts, these military savings will vary by location.

Most bases offer passes that can be exchanged at the theater for tickets. There may be a few deal breakers, though. These passes might only be valid during certain times, for certain types of movies (regular vs 3D) and you might not be able to be used these discounted tickets on opening night or weekend.

So before you set your plans in stone, check the fine print!

Watch Movies at Your On-Post Theater

Watch a movie on base and save beaucoup bucks. Military theaters are located on most major installations.

Some locations have special screenings of popular films that have been previously released. Often these showings are free or very, very cheap.

Other locations show first-run movies around the same time they are released nationally. Tickets are heavily discounted (compared with a civilian movie theater) and so are the snacks.

When you see a movie on base, be prepared for things to be a little bit, shall we say, different. Before the movie starts, get ready to stand while the National Anthem is played. You might also want to bring a cushion. The seating tends to be on the uncomfortable side.

Showings and runs of films are very limited. If you find a time for a movie you want to see, you should go. It might not be playing next week or even tomorrow!

Check your local base theater’s schedule for show times and special events.

Sign Up for a Theater Loyalty Program

Another great option is to sign up for theater loyalty programs. These work like other retail shopping cards: the more you go, the more points you earn and the more freebies you get. Different theater chains offer different perks, but items can include free snacks or drinks and even cheaper movie tickets.

While some theater chains only offer discounts for evening shows, other theaters might be willing to combine discounts. By going to a matinee showing in the late morning or afternoon, you might be able to save even more. For theaters that don’t double dip the discount, these early showings are usually several dollars cheaper. That makes it a smart budget choice.

No matter where you live or what movie you want to see tonight, there is probably a military discount available to you! Be sure to check around before you head out the door so that you get the best deal.

What are your tips for military savings at the movies?

Our Giant List of Veterans Day Deals

By

Veterans Day is a day set aside to honor the men and women who have served in our military at any time. It has also become a day full of discounts and freebies for veterans.

More so, Veterans Day has turned in to an entire month dedicated to military appreciation. Many businesses don’t simply offer specials on Veterans Day, but also offer them throughout the month of November.

Our Giant List of Veterans Day Deals

Do you take advantage of these free deals offered on Veterans Day?

Here is our giant list of Veterans Day deals for 2016.

IHOP is giving out free Red, White and Blue pancakes. Some franchises will make it a combo plate including eggs, bacon and hash browns.

Bob Evans gives veterans and active military personnel the choice of a free breakfast item from a select menu, including a stack of hotcakes, the sunrise breakfast and mini sampler breakfast to name a few.

Krispy Kreme is offering a free doughnut and coffee and does not require an ID.

Lamar’s Donuts is also offering a free donut and a 12oz coffee for all veterans.

Cracker Barrel is offering veterans a free Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola® Cake dessert.

Denny’s has a fantastic deal of all-you-can-eat pancakes for all active, inactive and retired military, or they can choose any build your own grand slam breakfast.

Applebee’s has a very popular freebie. Both veterans and active duty military get a free meal from a limited menu for Veterans Day. Military ID is required.

Hooters is providing a free meal to veterans and service members on November 11.

Arby’s offers 1 free roast beef sandwich on Veterans Day but only in certain areas including:
Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Colorado, Idaho and Wyoming.

Bonefish Grill offers free Bang Bang Shrimp to all active and retired service members with a valid military ID.

Black Angus Steakhouse celebrates Veterans Day by giving all veterans and active duty a free steakhouse cheeseburger & fries.

Country Cookin is getting veterans in a day early by offering a free meal on the day before Veterans Day.

Buffalo Wild Wings celebrates Veterans Day by giving veterans and active duty military personnel one free order of small traditional or boneless wings and a side of fries.

California Pizza Kitchen will give all veterans and active duty military one free item from a special Veterans Day menu. This includes pizza, salads and pasta.

Golden Corral is calling their free meal a “thank you” dinner for veterans, retirees, and active duty members.

Carrabba’s is giving one free appetizer to veterans and active duty on November 11.

Cheeseburger in Paradise requires veterans and active duty to purchase a beverage in order to receive a complimentary Veteran’s Burger with fries and they must dine in.

IKEA is a great place to stop at for a free entrée.

Chili’s is providing a free meal to veterans and active duty military from a special Veterans Day menu.

The Honey Baked Ham Company is giving uniformed service members or those with a valid military ID a free sandwich, chips, cookie and drink.

Coffee Beanery is giving veterans and active duty a free tall cup of coffee with proper ID.

Country Buffet is giving active duty, reservists and retired military one free lunch when they dine in.

The Green Turtle is also offering a free meal on Veterans Day.

Friendly’s is offering a free breakfast, lunch or dinner from select menus on Veterans Day.

Krystal is giving veterans a free chicken or sausage biscuit.

Little Caesars is giving veterans a free crazy $5 hot-n ready lunch combo from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Logan’s Roadhouse offers a 10% discount all year to anyone with a military ID. On Veterans Day, they will also offer a free dessert to veterans.

The list of restaurants giving freebies on Veterans Day is much longer than this so check online with your favorite place for their deal if it isn’t listed here.

Free meals are not the extent of Veterans Day freebies. They also extend to hotels, retail stores, and services such as car washes, haircuts and more. Some examples of these are below.

Car washes are offered for free though multiple car wash businesses through the non-profit organization, Grace for Vets.

Salons and barbers around the country will offer free haircuts to veterans on November 11.

Free oil changes are available though most oil change car care locations for veterans such as Jiffy Lube.

AARP is giving a 20% discount on membership for veterans and their families.

Amazon will give 20% off certain patriotic apparel on Veterans Day.

Do you take advantage of these free deals offered on Veterans Day? Why or why not?

4 Tips for Finding Military Discounts

By

Military discounts save military spouses and service members money. Who doesn’t want to save money? Everyone. We are all looking for a deal or a discount as a way to spend a little less when dining or shopping off base.

But let’s say that you recently moved to a new location. When you find yourself living in a new city, you are often unaware of which businesses offer military discounts.

What is a savvy money-saving military spouse to do?

Here are 4 tips for finding military discounts at your new location, wherever that may be.

4 Tips for Finding Military Discounts

Are you wondering which local restaurants offer a military discount?

Download military discounts apps on your smartphone.

Downloading a military discount app on your smartphone is the easiest way to find the local restaurants and stores that offer military discounts. There are several different apps available for military families.

I use the SCOUT military discount app. This app, which is free on both Google Play and iOS, is a comprehensive app for identifying military discounts near me. When using the app, I can easily see which businesses offer a discount through the map view.

For example, if I’m shopping at the outlet mall, I can see the red flags on the map and know which retail stores offer a military discount. (Thank you Express!) I can also see how much the discount is.

I like that I can easily add a military discount to the SCOUT military discount app. It takes less than 5 minutes and I feel like I’m helping out other military spouses when I add in my military discount tip. They really need to know about the local coffee shop that offers free coffee for military service members in uniform on Tuesdays. Don’t you agree?

Ask about military discounts in your local spouses Facebook group.

When you’re new to a city, you have a lot of questions. You are looking for the best Chinese take-out place and most affordable hairdresser who will get your color just right.

Where do you turn to for these answers? It’s your local spouses Facebook group.

Every military installation has an “unofficial” spouses Facebook group where you can post your questions and other military spouses will answer it. When you’re asking for recommendations for a vet for your pet or best romantic restaurant to celebrate your anniversary, don’t forget to ask if those businesses offer military discounts.

Follow websites that showcase military discounts.

Information about military discounts is always within your fingertips. Websites, like MilitaryShoppers, are dedicated to sharing military discounts with you. The information is out there, so take advantage of it. Sign up for the MilitaryShoppers newsletter or like us on Facebook so that you know everything there is to know about military discounts. Click here to sign up for the MilitaryShoppers newsletter today!

Ask for a military discount at your favorite restaurants and stores.

For years I simply forgot to ask for a military discount. Don’t be like me.

Whenever you are paying, make it a habit to sweetly ask “do you offer a military discount?” and have your military ID card ready to show the cashier. It never hurts to ask.

What are your tips for finding military discounts in your new city? Share them in the comments section.